ATI TEAS Version 7 Language and Grammar
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
The Rule: A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject
takes a plural verb. The trick is ignoring prepositional phrases that come
between the subject and the verb.
Detailed
Uses:
Intervening phrases: Ignore phrases like "along with," "as
well as," "together with," or "in addition to."
The subject before these phrases determines the verb.
Indefinite pronouns: Everyone, somebody, anybody, nobody, each, either,
neither are ALWAYS singular.
Compound subjects: Subjects joined by "and" are plural.
Subjects joined by "or/nor" take the verb that matches the
subject closest to the verb.
Examples:
❌ The box of chocolates are on
the table. (Incorrect: "box" is singular)
✅ The box of chocolates is on the
table. (Correct)
❌ Neither the nurse nor the
doctors is available. (Incorrect: closest subject "doctors" is
plural)
✅ Neither the nurse nor the
doctors are available. (Correct)
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
The Rule: A pronoun (he, she, it, they, his, her, their) must
agree in number (singular/plural) and gender with the noun it
replaces (the antecedent).
Detailed
Uses:
Singular antecedents: Everyone, anybody, someone, each, a person are
singular. Use he/she or his/her (or rewrite to avoid gender
issues).
Collective nouns: Words like team, staff, family, committee are
usually singular in American English (they act as one unit), so use it/its.
"Or/Nor" rule: When antecedents are joined by or/nor, the pronoun
agrees with the antecedent closest to it.
Examples:
❌ Every student must bring their
own stethoscope. (Informal; "student" is singular)
✅ Every student must bring his or
her own stethoscope. (Formal correct)
✅ All students must bring their
own stethoscopes. (Rewrite to make plural)
❌ The hospital staff submitted
their resignation. (Incorrect if staff acts as a unit)
✅ The hospital staff submitted
its resignation. (Correct)
3. Punctuation (Commas, Semicolons, Colons,
Apostrophes)
A.
Commas (,)
Uses:
- To separate items in a list of 3+ (Apples, bananas,
and grapes).
- To join two independent clauses with a conjunction (FANBOYS:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So). (I went home, and I ate dinner.)
- After an introductory phrase or clause. (After the
surgery, the patient rested.)
- To set off non-essential (extra) information. (My
doctor, who is very kind, called me.)
Example:
❌ Before eating the patient
washed his hands. (Ambiguous)
✅ Before eating, the patient
washed his hands.
B.
Semicolons (;)
Uses:
- To join two closely related independent clauses (no
conjunction needed). (The lab results are back; they show a mild
infection.)
- To separate items in a complex list where the items
already contain commas. (I visited Dallas, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and
Boise, Idaho.)
Example:
❌ The nurse checked the vitals,
she recorded them in the chart. (Comma splice)
✅ The nurse checked the vitals;
she recorded them in the chart.
C.
Colons (:)
Uses:
- To introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation. The
clause BEFORE the colon must be a complete sentence (independent
clause).
Example:
❌ My favorite fruits are: apples
and oranges. (Incorrect: "My favorite fruits are" is not a
complete thought on its own before the colon).
✅ I have three favorite fruits:
apples, oranges, and bananas. (Correct: "I have three favorite
fruits" is a complete sentence).
D.
Apostrophes (')
Uses:
Contractions: Replace missing letters (do not = don't; it is = it's).
Possession: Show ownership.
- For singular nouns, add 's (the nurse's chart).
- For plural nouns ending in -s, add only an
apostrophe (the nurses' break room).
Crucial
Warning:
Its = possessive (belonging to it).
It's = contraction for "it is."
Example:
❌ The stethoscope is missing it's
earpiece.
✅ The stethoscope is missing its
earpiece.
4. Sentence Structure (Clauses, Fragments, Run-ons)
Independent Clause: A complete sentence (Subject + Verb + Complete Thought).
The patient coughed.
Dependent Clause: Has a subject and verb but begins with a subordinating word
(because, although, when, since) and is NOT a complete thought.
Because the patient coughed...
A.
Fragments
An incomplete sentence missing a
subject, verb, or complete thought.
❌ Running down the hallway toward
the emergency room. (Missing a subject; who is running?)
✅ The doctor was running down the
hallway toward the emergency room.
B.
Run-ons (Fused Sentences & Comma Splices)
Two independent clauses joined
without proper punctuation or a conjunction.
❌ The medication was effective it
reduced the pain. (Fused sentence)
❌ The medication was effective,
it reduced the pain. (Comma splice)
✅ The medication was effective;
it reduced the pain.
✅ The medication was effective
because it reduced the pain.
5. Mechanics (Capitalization & Spelling)
Capitalization
Rules:
Capitalize proper nouns
(specific names), days/months, historical events, and titles
when they precede a name (Dr. Smith) but NOT after a name (John
Smith, the doctor).
Do NOT capitalize seasons,
job titles used generically, or medical conditions (diabetes,
pneumonia).
Common
Spelling Errors to Watch For:
Affect (verb = to influence) vs. Effect (noun = a
result).
Accept (to receive) vs. Except (to exclude).
Ensure (to make certain) vs. Insure (to provide
insurance).
📝 Practice Questions with Answers &
Explanations
Question
1 (Subject-Verb Agreement)
The group of researchers _____
meeting to discuss the clinical trial results.
A) are
B) were
C) is
D) have been
Answer: C) is
Reason: The subject is "group," which is singular.
Ignore the prepositional phrase "of researchers." A singular
subject needs a singular verb ("is").
Question
2 (Pronoun-Antecedent)
Each of the physical therapists must
submit _____ progress notes by Friday.
A) their
B) our
C) his or her
D) its
Answer: C) his or her
Reason: "Each" is a singular indefinite pronoun.
While "their" is commonly used in speech, formal TEAS grammar
requires a singular pronoun ("his or her") to match the
singular antecedent "Each."
Question
3 (Comma Usage)
Which sentence is punctuated
correctly?
A) After the surgery the patient,
felt nauseous.
B) After the surgery, the patient
felt nauseous.
C) After the surgery the patient
felt, nauseous.
D) After, the surgery the patient
felt nauseous.
Answer: B) After the surgery, the patient felt nauseous.
Reason: An introductory phrase ("After the surgery")
must be followed by a comma to separate it from the main independent clause.
Question
4 (Semicolon vs. Colon)
The phlebotomist needed three
supplies _____ needles, tourniquets, and alcohol swabs.
A) ,
B) ;
C) :
D) .
Answer: C) :
Reason: The clause before the colon ("The phlebotomist
needed three supplies") is a complete sentence that introduces a list.
A colon is the correct punctuation to introduce that list.
Question
5 (Apostrophe Usage)
All of the _____ charts were updated
during the night shift.
A) patients
B) patient's
C) patients'
D) patients's
Answer: C) patients'
Reason: The charts belong to multiple patients (plural). For a
plural noun ending in "s," you add only an apostrophe after
the "s" to show possession.
Question
6 (Run-on/Fragment)
Which of the following is a complete
sentence?
A) Because the nurse administered
the incorrect dosage.
B) Running to the crash cart to
retrieve the defibrillator.
C) The lab technician processed the
blood samples.
D) While the doctor reviewed the MRI
results.
Answer: C) The lab technician processed the blood samples.
Reason: This has a clear subject ("lab technician"),
a verb ("processed"), and expresses a complete thought. All
other options are fragments (A and D are dependent clauses; B
is a phrase missing a subject).
Question
7 (Capitalization)
Which of the following sentences is
correctly capitalized?
A) The patient was diagnosed with
Diabetes Mellitus in the Spring.
B) The patient was diagnosed with
diabetes mellitus in the spring.
C) The Patient was diagnosed with
diabetes mellitus in the Spring.
D) The patient was diagnosed with
Diabetes mellitus in the spring.
Answer: B) The patient was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in
the spring.
Reason: Medical conditions ("diabetes mellitus")
are common nouns and are NOT capitalized. Seasons ("spring")
are also NOT capitalized. Only proper nouns (names of specific people,
places, or brand names) get capitalized.
Question
8 (Spelling/Word Choice)
The new policy will _____ that all
staff members complete the training module.
A) insure
B) ensure
C) assure
D) confirm
Answer: B) ensure
Reason: "Ensure" means to make certain that
something happens. "Insure" relates to insurance. "Assure"
means to remove someone's doubts. The sentence means "to make
certain," so "ensure" is correct.
Subject-Verb Agreement (Questions 1–8)
1.
The box of medical supplies _____ missing from the storage closet.
A) were
B) are
C) is
D) have been
2.
Neither the attending physician nor the residents _____ available for the
emergency consult.
A) is
B) was
C) are
D) has been
3.
Every one of the lab technicians _____ to complete the quality control
checklist.
A) need
B) are needing
C) have needed
D) needs
4.
The group of patients in the waiting room _____ becoming increasingly restless.
A) are
B) were
C) is
D) have been
5.
Either the charge nurse or the floor managers _____ responsible for approving
the overtime requests.
A) is
B) was
C) are
D) has been
6.
Mathematics _____ my most challenging subject in nursing school.
A) are
B) were
C) have been
D) is
7.
The tray of instruments _____ sterilized before the procedure began.
A) were
B) are
C) have been
D) was
8.
Each of the newly hired nurses _____ a comprehensive orientation session.
A) attend
B) are attending
C) attends
D) have attended
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement (Questions 9–16)
9.
Every pharmacist must verify _____ own medication calculations.
A) their
B) our
C) his or her
D) its
10. The hospital committee finally reached _____ decision after
three hours of debate.
A) their
B) its
C) our
D) there
11. Neither of the surgical residents remembered to bring _____
pager to the operating room.
A) their
B) his or her
C) our
D) its
12. The nursing staff submitted _____ unified proposal for the
new scheduling system.
A) their
B) its
C) our
D) there
13. Anyone who forgets _____ identification badge must report
to the security desk.
A) their
B) his or her
C) our
D) your
14. The physical therapist and the occupational therapist
updated _____ respective treatment plans.
A) his or her
B) its
C) their
D) there
15. Either the pediatrician or the nurse practitioners will
present _____ findings at the conference.
A) his or her
B) their
C) its
D) our
16. The team of radiologists prides _____ on accurate and
timely readings.
A) themselves
B) itself
C) ourselves
D) theirselves
Commas (Questions 17–22)
17. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) After the long shift the nurse, collapsed into a chair.
B) After the long shift, the nurse collapsed into a chair.
C) After the long shift the nurse collapsed, into a chair.
D) After, the long shift the nurse collapsed into a chair.
18. Which sentence uses commas correctly?
A) The patient complained of nausea dizziness, and blurred vision.
B) The patient complained of nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision.
C) The patient complained of nausea, dizziness and, blurred vision.
D) The patient, complained of nausea, dizziness and blurred vision.
19. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) The surgeon who is very experienced, performed the complex procedure.
B) The surgeon, who is very experienced performed the complex procedure.
C) The surgeon who is very experienced performed the complex procedure.
D) The surgeon, who is very experienced, performed the complex procedure.
20. Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
A) I finished my charting, and then I went to lunch.
B) I finished my charting and, then I went to lunch.
C) I finished, my charting, and then I went to lunch.
D) I finished my charting and then I went, to lunch.
21. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) The medication is effective however it causes drowsiness.
B) The medication is effective, however it causes drowsiness.
C) The medication, is effective however it causes drowsiness.
D) The medication is effective; however, it causes drowsiness.
22. Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off
non-essential information?
A) My attending, Dr. Reyes, approved the discharge orders.
B) My attending Dr. Reyes, approved the discharge orders.
C) My attending, Dr. Reyes approved the discharge orders.
D) My attending Dr. Reyes approved, the discharge orders.
Semicolons and Colons (Questions 23–28)
23. Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
A) The lab results are back; they indicate a bacterial infection.
B) The lab results are back, they indicate a bacterial infection.
C) The lab results are back; and they indicate a bacterial infection.
D) The lab results are back they; indicate a bacterial infection.
24. Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
A) The crash cart contains: defibrillator, oxygen, and medications.
B) The crash cart contains the following: defibrillator, oxygen, and
medications.
C) The crash cart contains: defibrillator oxygen and medications.
D) The crash cart contains the following; defibrillator, oxygen, and
medications.
25. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) I have one goal for this shift; to keep all patients stable.
B) I have one goal for this shift, to keep all patients stable.
C) I have one goal for this shift: to keep all patients stable.
D) I have one goal for this shift to keep, all patients stable.
26. Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
A) The clinic opens at 8:00 AM; therefore, patients should arrive early.
B) The clinic opens at 8:00 AM therefore, patients should arrive early.
C) The clinic opens at 8:00 AM; therefore patients, should arrive early.
D) The clinic opens at 8:00 AM therefore; patients should arrive early.
27. Which sentence correctly uses semicolons in a complex list?
A) I rotated through cardiology, in Houston, pediatrics, in Dallas, and
neurology, in Austin.
B) I rotated through cardiology in Houston; pediatrics in Dallas; and neurology
in Austin.
C) I rotated through cardiology in Houston, pediatrics in Dallas, and
neurology, in Austin.
D) I rotated through cardiology; in Houston, pediatrics; in Dallas, and
neurology; in Austin.
28. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) The patient presented with three symptoms: fever, chills, and night sweats.
B) The patient presented with: fever, chills, and night sweats.
C) The patient presented with three symptoms; fever, chills, and night sweats.
D) The patient presented with three symptoms fever, chills, and night sweats.
Apostrophes (Questions 29–34)
29. All of the _____ charts were audited for compliance.
A) patients
B) patient's
C) patients'
D) patients's
30. The stethoscope is missing _____ earpiece.
A) its
B) it's
C) its'
D) it is
31. The _____ lounge is located on the third floor.
A) nurses
B) nurse's
C) nurses'
D) nurses's
32. _____ important to check the medication expiration dates
daily.
A) Its
B) Its'
C) It is
D) It's
33. The _____ orders were updated after the morning rounds.
A) doctors
B) doctor's
C) doctors'
D) doctors's
34. The policy manual stated that _____ everyone's
responsibility to report errors.
A) its
B) it's
C) its'
D) it is
Sentence Structure (Fragments & Run-ons)
(Questions 35–42)
35. Which of the following is a complete sentence?
A) Because the patient reported severe chest pain.
B) The paramedic administered oxygen en route to the hospital.
C) While the nurse reviewed the allergy list carefully.
D) Running the code blue team down the hallway.
36. Which of the following is a run-on sentence?
A) The nurse checked the IV line it was patent.
B) The nurse checked the IV line, and it was patent.
C) The nurse checked the IV line; it was patent.
D) The nurse checked the IV line because it was patent.
37. Which of the following is a fragment?
A) The physical therapist recommended daily exercises.
B) After the patient completed the rehabilitation program.
C) The social worker contacted the family members.
D) The dietitian updated the meal plan this morning.
38. Which sentence is correctly punctuated to fix a comma
splice?
A) The medication was effective, it reduced the pain significantly.
B) The medication was effective it reduced the pain significantly.
C) The medication was effective; it reduced the pain significantly.
D) The medication was effective, and reduced the pain significantly.
39. Which of the following is a correctly written compound
sentence?
A) The surgeon finished the procedure, then she went to the conference.
B) The surgeon finished the procedure, and then she went to the conference.
C) The surgeon finished the procedure then she went to the conference.
D) The surgeon finished the procedure and then, she went to the conference.
40. Which of the following is a complete sentence?
A) Administering the vaccine to all eligible patients.
B) Because the pharmacy was closed for the holiday.
C) The respiratory therapist adjusted the ventilator settings.
D) While monitoring the cardiac telemetry unit overnight.
41. Which option correctly fixes this fragment: "Running
toward the emergency exit."
A) Running toward the emergency exit, the fire alarm.
B) The staff was running toward the emergency exit.
C) Running toward the emergency exit, and the staff.
D) Toward the emergency exit running the staff.
42. Which sentence is a run-on?
A) The doctor reviewed the MRI results she ordered additional tests.
B) The doctor reviewed the MRI results, and she ordered additional tests.
C) The doctor reviewed the MRI results; she ordered additional tests.
D) After the doctor reviewed the MRI results, she ordered additional tests.
Capitalization (Questions 43–47)
43. Which sentence is correctly capitalized?
A) The patient was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the Fall.
B) The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the fall.
C) The Patient was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the fall.
D) The patient was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes in the Fall.
44. Which sentence is correctly capitalized?
A) Dr. Chen will perform the surgery on monday morning.
B) Dr. Chen will perform the Surgery on Monday morning.
C) Dr. Chen will perform the surgery on Monday morning.
D) dr. Chen will perform the surgery on monday morning.
45. Which sentence uses correct capitalization?
A) The Emergency Department was crowded during the Winter holidays.
B) The emergency department was crowded during the winter holidays.
C) The Emergency Department was crowded during the winter Holidays.
D) The emergency Department was crowded during the Winter holidays.
46. Which sentence is correctly capitalized?
A) The nurse Practitioner referred the patient to a Cardiologist.
B) The nurse practitioner referred the patient to a cardiologist.
C) The Nurse Practitioner referred the patient to a Cardiologist.
D) The Nurse practitioner referred the Patient to a cardiologist.
47. Which sentence is correctly capitalized?
A) The hospital board met on tuesday to discuss the new policy.
B) The Hospital Board met on Tuesday to discuss the New Policy.
C) The hospital board met on Tuesday to discuss the new policy.
D) The hospital Board met on tuesday to discuss the new Policy.
Spelling & Word Choice (Questions 48–50)
48. The new protocol will _____ that all staff complete the
annual competency exam.
A) insure
B) assure
C) ensure
D) confirm
49. The physician had to _____ the dosage due to the patient's
declining renal function.
A) adjust
B) adust
C) ajust
D) adjest
50. The nurse manager tried to _____ the anxious family members
that their mother was stable.
A) ensure
B) assure
C) insure
D) adopt
Answers
with Short Reasons
1.
C) is – "Box" is the singular subject.
2.
C) are – Closest subject "residents" is plural.
3.
D) needs – "Every one" is singular.
4.
C) is – "Group" is singular.
5.
C) are – Closest subject "floor managers" is plural.
6.
D) is – "Mathematics" is treated as a singular subject.
7.
D) was – "Tray" is singular.
8.
C) attends – "Each" is singular.
9.
C) his or
her – "Every pharmacist" is
singular.
10. B) its –
"Committee" acts as one unit.
11. B) his or her
– "Neither" is singular.
12. B) its –
"Staff" acts as one unit.
13. B) his or her
– "Anyone" is singular.
14. C) their – Two
people = plural.
15. B) their – Closest
antecedent "nurse practitioners" is plural.
16. B) itself
– "Team" is singular.
17. B) – Introductory phrase needs a
comma.
18. B) – Correct commas in a series.
19. D) – Non-essential clause is set off
by commas.
20. A) – Comma before coordinating
conjunction joining two clauses.
21. D) – Semicolon + conjunctive adverb.
22. A) – Non-essential appositive is
enclosed in commas.
23. A) – Semicolon joins two independent
clauses.
24. B) – Colon correctly introduces a
list.
25. C) – Colon introduces an explanation.
26. A) – Semicolon before
"therefore."
27. B) – Semicolons separate complex list
items.
28. A) – Colon correctly introduces the
list.
29. C) patients'
– Plural possessive.
30. A) its –
Possessive form.
31. C) nurses'
– Lounge belongs to multiple nurses.
32. D) It's –
Contraction of "It is."
33. C) doctors'
– Plural possessive.
34. B) it's – Means
"it is."
35. B) – Complete sentence.
36. A) – Two independent clauses without
punctuation.
37. B) – Dependent clause (fragment).
38. C) – Semicolon fixes comma splice.
39. B) – Correct compound sentence.
40. C) – Complete sentence.
41. B) – Adds subject and verb.
42. A) – Run-on sentence.
43. B) – Medical conditions and seasons
are lowercase.
44. C) – Proper capitalization.
45. B) – Generic department and season are
lowercase.
46. B) – Generic job titles are lowercase.
47. C) – Only "Tuesday" is
capitalized.
48. C) ensure
– Means "make certain."
49. A) adjust
– Correct spelling.
50. B) assure
– Means "reassure a person."
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